Nutritional Yeast

This has to be one of my favorite ingredients to play with in recipes. It has that magic power that gives food a cheese flavor. Through the years I have taste tested several different brands and my favorite hands down is the Red Star Brand. You can sprinkle nutritional yeast on salads, soups, use it in dehydrated crackers, kale chips, cheese sauces and more.

Nutritional Yeast Information

Red Star® nutritional yeast is an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Lesaffre Yeast Corporation derives its primary grown nutritional yeast from pure strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown on mixtures of cane and beet molasses. After the fermentation process is completed the yeast is harvested, thoroughly washed, pasteurized, and dried on roller drum dryers. The special growth medium and unique drying process are the secrets to the exceptional performance and flavor of Red Star® nutritional yeast.

Red Star® nutritional yeast is grown specifically for its nutritive value. In addition to protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, it contains additional functional and beneficial components such as beta-1,3 glucan, trehalose, mannan and glutathione. Studies have shown that these components have potential health benefits such as, improved immune response, reduction of cholesterol, and anti-cancer properties. Red Star® nutritional yeast is not made from by-products of breweries, distilleries or paper mills. Red Star® nutritional yeast is not a genetically modified organism (GMO). Red Star® nutritional yeast contains no added sugars or preservatives. Best when stored in a cool, dry place.

B-Complex Vitamins

The B-complex vitamins are essential to the wellness of body, mind, and spirit. Thiamin (B1) deficiency can lead to hand and foot numbness as well as damage to the central nervous system. Vegetarians, diabetics, and women taking birth control pills are highly susceptible to Riboflavin (B2) deficiency. Niacin (B3). Pyridoxine (B6) is needed for the production of antibodies and red blood cells, and promotes a normal functioning nervous and musculoskeletal system. Cyanocobalamin (B12) helps prevent nerve damage and anemia, aids in cell and blood formation, proper digestion, fertility and growth. This vitamin is also helpful during pregnancy and lactation. Vegetarians and immune compromised individuals are the most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

History of Yeast

Yeast belongs to the same family as edible mushrooms and the beneficial organisms used for medical and veterinary use. It may be considered man¹s oldest industrial micro-organism. With the invention of the microscope, it became possible to isolate yeast in pure culture form. The pioneering scientific work of Louis Pasteur in the late 1860’s has resulted in the ability today to commercially produce baker’s yeast, wine yeast, and nutritional yeast. LesaffreYeast Corporation has been delivering consistent high quality yeast products for over 100 years. For more than 50 of those years, the company has been manufacturing primary grown nutritional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), grown specifically for its nutritional value. The result has been a high quality product containing protein composed of essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Types of Yeast

Nutritional yeast Vegetarian Support Formula™ by Red Star® (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a primary grown nutritional yeast grown specifically for food nutritional benefits.Active dry yeast is made from cream yeast. It is a raising agent used in baked goods. Brewers yeast, is a bitter by-product of the brewing industry that has a high nutritional profile, but typically not as high as Red Star® Nutritional Yeast which is grown for maximized food nutritional benefits.

Torula yeast (Pichiajadinii), is a by-product of the paper mill waste streams obtained by growing Pichiajadinii on wood sugars.

8 thoughts on “Nutritional Yeast”

Pennalita,
No, it is not a raw product.
Benefits of RED STAR® Nutritional Yeast

Quality Digestible Protein, with No Cholesterol
Protein is essential for the maintenance and growth of muscle. In addition to lending strength, muscle is also important for bone density and equilibrium.
B-complex Vitamins
The B vitamins participate in energy production and support the health of the nervous system. They are depleted during times of stress.
Minerals
Minerals facilitate chemical responses throughout the body. Nutritional yeast naturally contains macro-minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous, as well as micro-minerals, such as
zinc, copper, molybdenum, iron, selenium and manganese.
Dietary Fiber from Mannan, Beta-glucan and Trehalose
Dietary fiber provides the needed bulk to move waste through the intestines. While the daily value for fiber is 25 grams, most Americans do not consume this amount through the diet.
Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s most important antioxidant. It is found within every cell, where it neutralizes free radicals, supports detoxification and strengthens immunity.
Lecithin
Lecithin is a healthy fat that acts as a building block of cell membranes. It is an excellent source of choline and inositol, B vitamin-like compounds that are involved in the body’s transport of fats
and that support nervous system function.
Flavorful and Versatile
RED STAR Nutritional Yeast Vegetarian Support Formula™ has a rich, roasted nutty flavor that some people compare to parmesan cheese.

I grew up reading Adele Davis’ books. If the B-vitamins need to be proportional, why would Red Star add more of the cheaper ones (B1, B2, Niacin, etc.) so that they are several hundred percents’ worth of the DV and the more expensive, hard-to-attain (Biotin, Choline, Inositol, etc.) remain a few percents’ worth? I wonder if it would be best to not supplement this natural product at all? I’m concerned about causing a deficiency of the second group, as Davis used to say.

I love your web-site, congrats! Does it influence the taste of chips, if I leave out the yeast? I’m not sure, that here, in Hungary where I can find nutritional yeast to buy. So, if I make my chips without it, would it make a main difference in any way?

Hello Anna,
Yes, nutritional yeast do influence the taste, it give a “cheesy” flavor to them. you can omit it if you are not able to find it, but it will change the flavor profile from how I made the recipe. Doesn’t mean that it won’t taste good, just different :)